Into the Void

Gustav Holst, best known for his orchestral suite The Planets, was not as fond of this particular work as everyone else is. Inspired by Holst's interest in astrology, each of the seven movements is designed to represent its titular planet's sway over the human psyche. Despite this astrological rather than astronomical influence, the piece has a celestial grandeur that builds until the final fade-out of the female chorus. David Robertson and the Saint Louis Symphony Orchestra perform The Planets at 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday (March 5 and 6) at Powell Symphony Hall (718 North Grand Boulevard; 314-534-1700 or www.slso.org). Also on the schedule is György Ligeti's Violin Concerto. Tickets are $25 to $110.
Fri., March 5; Sat., March 6, 2010